Basal ganglia dysfunction
Extrapyramidal syndrome; Antipsychotics - extrapyramidalBasal ganglia dysfunction is a problem with the deep brain structures that help start and control movement.
Causes
Any condition that can cause brain injury can damage the basal ganglia. Such conditions include:
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Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that causes thousands of deaths each year in North America. Breathing in carbon monoxide is very dangerous. It i...
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- Head injury
- Infection
- Liver disease
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Metabolic problems
Metabolic
Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Poisoning with copper, manganese, or other heavy metals
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Stroke
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...
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A common cause of the symptoms of basal ganglia dysfunction is chronic use of medicines called antipsychotics, used to treat schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it hard to tell the difference between what is real and not real. It also makes it hard to think clearl...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleMany brain disorders are associated with basal ganglia dysfunction. They include:
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Dystonia (muscle tone problems)
Dystonia
Uncontrolled or slow movement is a problem with muscle tone, usually in the large muscle groups. The problem leads to slow, uncontrollable jerky mov...
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Huntington disease (nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate)
Huntington disease
Huntington disease (HD) is a genetic disorder in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain waste away, or degenerate. The disease is passed do...
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Multiple system atrophy (widespread nervous system disorder)
Multiple system atrophy
Multiple system atrophy- parkinsonian type (MSA-P) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson disease. However, people with MSA-P...
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Parkinson disease
Parkinson disease
Parkinson disease results from certain brain cells dying. These cells help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking (tremors...
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Progressive supranuclear palsy (movement disorder from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain)
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a movement disorder that occurs from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.
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Wilson disease (disorder causing too much copper in the body's tissues)
Wilson disease
Wilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...
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Symptoms
Damage to the basal ganglia cells may cause problems controlling speech, movement, and posture. This combination of symptoms is called parkinsonism.
A person with basal ganglia dysfunction may have trouble starting, stopping, or sustaining movement. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, there may also be problems with memory and other thought processes.
In general, symptoms vary and may include:
- Movement changes, such as involuntary or slowed movements
- Increased muscle tone
- Muscle spasms and muscle rigidity
- Problems finding words
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Tremor
Tremor
A tremor is a type of shaking movement. A tremor is most often noticed in the hands and arms. It may affect any body part, including the head, tong...
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- Walking difficulty
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Blood and imaging tests may be needed. These may include:
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CT and MRI of the head
CT
A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
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A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...
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Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to look at the blood vessels in the neck and brain
Magnetic resonance angiography
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an MRI exam of the blood vessels. Unlike traditional angiography that involves placing a tube (catheter) int...
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Positron emission tomography (PET) to look at the metabolism of the brain
Positron emission tomography
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood tests to check blood sugar, thyroid function, liver function, and iron and copper levels
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder. Most people may benefit from physical therapy to reduce the risk of falling. Occupational therapy can help them remain independent. Speech therapy is helpful for those who have trouble swallowing or speaking.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on the cause of the dysfunction. Some causes are reversible, while others require lifelong treatment.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have any:
- Abnormal or involuntary movements
- Falls without known reason
- If you or others notice that you are shaky or slow
References
Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 96.
Okun MS, Ostrem JL. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 379.
Vestal E, Rusher A, Ikeda K, Melnick M. Disorders of the basal nuclei. In: Lazaro RT, Reina-Guerra SG, Quiben MU, eds. Umphred's Neurological Rehabilitation. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.
Review Date: 6/13/2024
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.